Yellowfin sole
*MSC certified June 1, 2010
- Latin Name: Limanda aspera (aka Pleuronectes asper)
- Market/vernacular names: sole, flounder
- Location: Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI). Yellowfin sole is one of the most abundant flatfish species in the Bering Sea and is the target of the largest flatfish fishery in the United States.
- Season: January 20-December 31, primarily available March-May and August-October
- Total BSAI Catch/Quota:
2011 catch: 151,150 metric tons; quota: 196,000 metric tons - Products: H&G (headed and gutted), whole round and kirimi (fish slices)
- Volume: Yellowfin sole is approximately 45% of North Star Fishing Co.’s total annual production
- Size: Average length 13 inches, average weight 300-700 gr, general H&G size: 150-400 gr
- Size Specification: H&G weight per fish
L: 350 gr+
M: 180 – 350 gr
S: 130 – 180 gr
Round mix: 120-240 gr - General Information: Yellowfin sole is the largest flatfish fishery in the United States. Alaska is responsible for the majority of the worldwide yellowfin sole catch, harvesting over 150,000 mt in 2011. Yellowfin is harvested throughout the calendar year with most taken in March/April/May and August/September/October. Yellowfin sole is harvested mostly by catcher processors ranging in size from 110 to 295 feet. These vessels harvest multiple species, conduct primary processing aboard the vessel, and freeze their products on board.
Additional information on yellowfin sole can be found at NMFS Fishwatch.